Continuous sea level measurements in the Mediterranean & Black Seas, in relation to the global climate change and sea level rise.
Initiated in 1997, the MedGLOSS program, a collaborative venture between CIESM and IOC/UNESCO, was established in response to the anticipated impacts of global climate change and the consequent sea level rise. The program was designed to enhance the understanding and monitoring of sea level changes in the Mediterranean and Black Seas through several strategic objectives:
Monitoring Sea-Level Changes: The primary aim is to detect regional long-term trends, relative and absolute sea level changes, and acceleration rates. This involves the creation of a densified regional GLOSS subsystem network, incorporating existing sea-level monitoring stations and expanding with additional stations across the coastlines of participating countries.
Understanding Geological Movements: MedGLOSS seeks to determine plate tectonic movements that affect sea levels by enhancing the network’s capacity to monitor these changes over the long term.
Facilitating Regional Studies: By providing standardized, quality-controlled data, the network supports detailed regional studies on sea-level rise, water exchange, and tectonic movements, thereby contributing valuable insights into these critical phenomena.
Promoting Education and Training: In line with the GLOSS-V implementation plan TEMA (Training, Education, and Mutual Assistance), MedGLOSS is committed to offering assistance, educational opportunities, and training to bolster regional expertise in sea-level monitoring.
In May 2000, following a unanimous decision at a MedGLOSS workshop, the Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research (IOLR) was designated as the focal center for the MedGLOSS network. This center is responsible for maintaining the MedGLOSS data portal (ISRAMAR), gathering sea-level and additional meteorological-marine data, and developing data processing and analysis software.
In a further development, MedGLOSS entered into a close cooperation with the European Sea Level Service (ESEAS) a year later, enhancing the program’s reach and effectiveness in monitoring sea level changes across the region.
MedGLOSS Network
The MedGLOSS network consists of near real time (NRT) stations and delayed mode stations to provide hourly data updated twice per year.
Partner Agencies/ Institutions:
